It seems like every day 20 new, gorgeous nail trends take over our “for you” page. From celebrity-approved colors to chrome’s growing popularity this year, it can be hard to keep up. Thankfully, we have experts on the inside to tell us what’s about to be everywhere and which winter nail trends are falling out of favor.
Featured Experts
- Yukie Natori is the owner of Yukie Beauty Spa and an expert in Japanese hard gel manicures
- Aya Hirota is a senior nail artist at Yukie Beauty Spa
In: Magnetic Nails
Unless you’ve been out of the loop, you may have caught the latest craze in the nail trend world: magnetic manis.
“Magnetic nails are in high demand for their expressive designs, offering depth and shine even in a single color,” explains Yukie Beauty Spa owner and expert manicurist, Yukie Natori. “Microparticle magnetic nails are explosively popular this season. Their delicate sheen, like water, has a soothing effect just by looking at it. The transparent finish gently shines on the nail tips, highlighting the beauty of your hands.”
Extremely wearable and appropriate for any occasion, Natori says magnetic nails are ultra-hot in our favorite rich girl shades. “These nails capture light with a unique transparency and depth, featuring a subtle luster and sheer color, almost like a soft jelly,” Natori says. “Shades like skin tones that blend well with your complexion, pale glazes and muted pinks are particularly attractive. The stylish look can be further enhanced by selecting complementary colors and creating a nuanced gradient finish.”
In: Inkblot Gel Nails
“Ink gels are also trending now,” Natori says. “They make it easy to achieve sophisticated, nuanced designs.”
This gel manicure embraces inkblot, drop and ink-in-water looks to create unique mini art pieces. This allows you to play in the realm of nail art and design while still staying appropriate for any occasion. Comfortable in the board room or a wedding party, these nails combine elegance with just a touch of edge.
“When applied over a light-colored base, the ink design stands out beautifully,” advises Aya Hirota, senior artist at Yukie Beauty Spa. “A growing trend is combining ink with other materials. Mixing textures, such as magnetic gels, mirror powder and 3D gels, adds depth and dimension to the design, giving it a distinct and fresh impression.”
In: Hand-Drawn Nail Designs
One of the most impactful ways to make your nails stand out is to have your nail artist create something especially unique. Hand-drawn art and hand-painted designs are key to staying ahead of winter nail trends. Whether the design is freehand painted or carefully transferred from drawing to gel, allowing your nail artist to get truly artistic will always be a stellar mani choice.
“While many new materials are expanding design possibilities, hand-drawn designs remain ever-popular,” Natori explains. “These original creations cannot be replicated with stickers, offering a personal and unique touch.”
Out: Nail Stickers
Opposite hand-drawn art are the cute and kitschy nail stickers that dominated the summer earlier this year. Think farmer’s market nails or al fresco nails–these are the super tiny, mass-produced decals Natori says are getting less and less popular.
But she doesn’t expect stickers to stay gone for long. “The key is how materials are used—traditional ones can be fused with newer elements to create something entirely fresh and exciting,” Natori explains. “Nail design is a reflection of one’s personality and lifestyle. With so many ways to express yourself, we encourage you to embrace your own unique nail designs.“
